Semen Analysis & Sperm Count Test in Singapore

HIV Testing add-on $55 (price is before consultation). All test prices quoted are separate from consultation charges.

Women’s Fertility Screening is available too.

A semen analysis is a laboratory test that examines a sample of semen to assess sperm quality. It measures sperm concentration, motility, morphology, volume, pH, vitality and white blood cell count.

A semen analysis is appropriate for:

• Couples who have been trying to conceive without a successful pregnancy for at least 6 to 12 months (depending on their age)
• Men who want to check the health of their sperm without a fertility concern
• Men planning ahead, before starting a family
• Men confirming the result of a vasectomy or vasectomy reversal

Abstaining for less than 3 days can lower the volume and sperm count in the sample, and abstaining for more than 7 days can reduce motility, so either can make the result harder to interpret.

1) pH

We look at the pH or how acidic/alkali the semen is. It is important for semen to be slightly alkaline as the vaginal environment is acidic (to protect the vagina from bad bacteria).

The slight alkalinity of semen allows the semen to survive for longer in the vaginal canal. Semen that is too acidic may kill the sperm or prevent fertilization. Issues with pH may be due to blockage of tubes carrying parts of the semen.

2) Volume

Semen volume varies between ejaculations and is affected by hydration, abstinence period and age. Persistently low volume is more likely to reflect an underlying cause — such as a blockage, retrograde ejaculation or a hormonal imbalance — than a lifestyle factor, which is why a doctor should review a low reading rather than treating it as something to be corrected at home.

3) Sperm Concentration

Within the same volume of semen, the higher the concentration of sperm, the more likely fertilization can occur as fertilization is (partially) still a numbers game.

Having a lower sperm count may indicate a number of problems, including varicocele, infection, chronic health problems like diabetes or inflammatory disease, duct problems, hormonal imbalances, and exposure to toxic substances.

Abnormally low sperm counts can also be caused by certain medications, recent illness accompanied by high fever, and exposure of the scrotum to heat.

Smoking, obesity, and excess alcohol intake has been linked to low sperm count. A complete lack of sperm (azoospermia) may be caused by a duct problem, a hormonal imbalance, or a problem with the testes.

4) Leukocyte (white blood cell/WBC) Count

WBC numbers are noted to be higher in patients with fertility issues than among fertile men.

WBC in semen is also associated with decreased sperm numbers and impaired sperm motility.

It is thought that WBC damages sperm function. A marked increase of WBC may indicate an infection of the male reproductive tract.

5) Vitality

Sperm viability refers to the percentage of live sperm in the semen sample.

This is important to measure if sperm motility is low, so as to differentiate between live non-motile sperm and dead sperm.

The same things that can cause a low sperm count can cause decreased viability.

6) Sperm Motility

The sperm must be able to “swim” to the egg.

There are 3 main kinds of motility.

a. Progressive motility

Forward movement in either a line or in a large circle. This is the type of motility that is desired.

b. Non-Progressive motility

Sperm that move but don’t make forward progression or swim in very tight circles.

c. Immotility

Non-moving sperm.

7) Morphology

Sperm morphology refers to the shape of the sperm cells. This test estimates the rough percentage of normally shaped sperm.

The head, mid-section and tail are examined, as well as the measurements and proportions between each.

Poor sperm morphology may be caused by the same things that can cause low sperm counts.

A semen analysis report compares your results against reference values. These come from the World Health Organization’s Laboratory Manual for the Examination and Processing of Human Semen, currently in its sixth edition, published in 2021.

These are lower reference limits, not pass marks. A result below a limit does not mean you are infertile, and a result above every limit does not guarantee conception. Results are interpreted alongside your medical history and, where relevant, your partner’s assessment.

WHO 2021 lower reference limits

Sperm production takes approximately three months from start to finish, which means a single sample reflects a period well before the day of the test. A recent fever, illness, course of medication or period of significant stress can all affect a result. For this reason, an abnormal result is usually repeated before any conclusion is drawn.

If results fall below these limits, the next step is to identify why. Depending on the pattern, that may involve hormone testing, a scrotal ultrasound, or STD screening. Our doctors can advise on male infertility treatment once the underlying cause is clear.

Unsure how to read your report? A doctor at DTAP Clinic can talk you through your results and advise on what, if anything, needs to happen next.

The first step is to mitigate the factors which may cause infertility.  

Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Go for testing for sexually transmitted diseases, and get treated if you are positive for anything. Infections like Chlamydia and Gonorrhea have been known to contribute to infertility and scarring of the reproductive tract.

Read: Rapid Chlamydia & Gonorrhea Testing (Next Day Result)

Boost Your Natural Levels of Sex Hormones

You can also boost your natural levels of sex hormones by exercising, losing weight, packing on some muscle, reducing your stress and thus cortisol levels.

Getting a good night’s rest every night can also boost your hormones. The aforementioned, in addition to smoking cessation, and alcohol consumption reduction, can also boost the quality of your sperm.

There are superfoods with high antioxidants that one can start consuming in larger quantities. Zinc and sselenium-containingfoods like oysters, beans, nuts, seeds and green leafy vegetables can provide your body with the necessary building blocks to make quality semen. Reducing your intake of processed foods is highly encouraged as well. There are some foods that you can consider reducing intake of. Foods like soybeans contain higher amounts of phytoestrogens, which act like the female hormone estrogen on the body.

Medications

There are some medications that affect your sperm count e.g. testosterone replacement supplementation, chemotherapy, long term steroid use, certain rheumatic drugs, some prostate medications like 5ARIs and alpha blockers, among other drugs. If you are using these medications, speak to your doctor about their effects on your semen.

Heat

If you have been exposed to high heat, or experienced a high fever, it may take several weeks for your sperm counts to return to their normal. Avoid tight fitting pants and underwear and avoid constantly sitting on hot surfaces.

 Try your best to avoid toxic chemicals if you are exposed to them at say your workplace.

Not only will living healthily boost your fertility, the general health benefits you will gain are a plus point as well. If you do have issues with infertility, seek medical attention. Let us doctors help you with bringing the next generation into this world!

A semen analysis is the primary male fertility test in Singapore, with results compared against reference values set by the World Health Organization’s Laboratory Manual for the Examination and Processing of Human Semen, sixth edition (2021).

These are lower reference limits, not pass marks. A result below a limit does not mean you are infertile, and a result above every limit does not guarantee conception. Results are interpreted alongside your medical history and, where relevant, your partner’s assessment.

WHO 2021 lower reference limits

Sperm production takes approximately 74 days in the testes, followed by a further two weeks of maturation, meaning a single sample reflects a period well before the day of the test. A recent fever, illness, course of medication or period of significant stress can all affect a result. For this reason, an abnormal result is usually repeated before any conclusion is drawn.

If results fall below these limits, the next step is to identify why. Depending on the pattern, that may involve hormone testing, a scrotal ultrasound, or STD screening. Our doctors can advise on male infertility treatment once the underlying cause is clear.

If you are unsure how to read your report, a doctor at DTAP Clinic can talk you through your results and advise on what, if anything, needs to happen next.

A semen analysis at DTAP Clinic costs $142.00 including GST. This is the test fee. A consultation charge applies separately for all clinic visits, as it does for every test we offer.

If both partners are being assessed, the Couple’s Fertility Screen packages listed above are priced at $256 per partner and include hormone testing alongside the semen analysis.

All test prices quoted are separate from consultation charges, which apply for all clinic visits.

How much does a semen analysis cost in Singapore?

A semen analysis at DTAP Clinic costs $142.00 including GST. A consultation charge applies separately.

How long should I abstain before a semen analysis?

Abstain from ejaculating for 3 days, and no longer than 7 days. Testing within this window gives the most reliable result.

Can I collect the sample at home?

Yes. You can produce the sample at the collection venue or at home. A home sample must be examined within 2 hours, so travel time needs to be accounted for. Collect without lubricant, as lubricants and saliva can damage sperm.

What is a normal sperm count?

The WHO 2021 lower reference limit is 16 million sperm per millilitre, or 39 million in the total ejaculate. A result below this is not a diagnosis of infertility, and should be interpreted by a doctor.

Does a semen analysis test for STDs?

No. A semen analysis assesses sperm quality. It may show a raised white blood cell count that suggests infection, but it does not identify which infection. STD screening must be requested separately.

Do I need a referral for a semen analysis?

No referral is required. You can book directly at any of our Men’s Health clinics.

How accurate is a single semen analysis?

A single sample reflects sperm produced roughly three months earlier, and results vary between samples. An abnormal result is usually repeated before conclusions are drawn.

Can sperm quality be improved?

Some contributing factors can be addressed, including untreated infections, smoking, excess alcohol, obesity, heat exposure and certain medications. Whether this changes a given result depends on the underlying cause, which is what the test is for.

Can I do the semen analysis sample collection at home?

Yes. You can produce the sample at the collection venue or at home. A home sample must be examined within 2 hours, so travel time needs to be accounted for. Collect without lubricant, as lubricants and saliva can damage sperm.

What happens if my semen analysis results are abnormal?

An abnormal result is usually repeated before any conclusion is drawn, as results can vary between samples. If a repeat result is also abnormal, the aim is to identify the underlying cause. Depending on the pattern of results, this may involve hormone blood tests, a scrotal ultrasound, or STD screening. Our doctors can advise on male infertility treatment once the cause is clear.

How long does it take to get semen analysis results in Singapore?

The DTAP Clinic can usually provide your results within 5-7 working days.